I'm a big Southwest Airlines fan for simple uncomplicated travel.
You should compare flights over several airlines though and see what works best for your plans, not all carriers go all places and that complicates things. Usually you can get the best pricing a month out, sometimes that 10day window is better, refundable tickets usually cost more but cut the risk when changes occur. Travel days and visit span can affect costs, you might juggle departure days and see savings.
FYI: I'm traveling from Cedar Rapids to LA at the end of the month and the company has had to charter a flight because you can't get from Iowa to California in a timely manner on a Sunday. Just sayin'
